Jets defensive lineman Sheldon Richardson took a slight step outside the quieter approach Todd Bowles team has taken leading up to the battle with the Patriots.
The talented defender made a statement about his team's confidence heading into this rivalry game with New England, and many ran with the comment as a supposed "guarantee" of a New York win.
WEEI.com led the way adding to the hype of the contest by blowing up Richardson’s comments, which is indeed for first place in the division.
The Boston Globe looks at how the Patriots are defying conventional thought on the offensive line and in the secondary this season. The Globe Patriots notebook says that Rob Gronkowski's impact on New England is about more than just the tight end’s statistics. The *Globe *goes through the very few times in recent years that Devin McCourty has been flagged for pass interference, as he was last week against the Colts.
The* Globe* sports media column has CBS’ Dan Fouts talking about how much he enjoys watching ageless Tom Brady and the Patriots play offense.
The Boston Herald says that Brady is too smart to go after former teammate and once-again foe Darrelle Revis. The Herald writes, though, that Julian Edelman is ready to go head-to-head with the All-Pro cornerback and former teammate. The Herald Patriots notebook says the Jets will indeed test the up-and-down New England run defense.
Via the ESPN website, fivethirtyeight.com says the Patriots are almost on pace to be the greatest of all time. ESPN also breaks down the numbers for Sunday’s battle between the two best teams in the AFC East. ESPN passes along Richardson defending his comments on Twitter.
ESPNBoston.com notes the passing of the torch on the New England defense from Revis to Malcolm Butler. The site also relays that Gronkowski is flattered to join the list of the five elite tight ends with 60 career touchdowns, a number he reached lightyears faster than the other elites at the position.
WEEI.com passes along Bill Belichick saying “we’ll see” on the status of Brandon LaFell as the receiver works to come of PUP. WEEI.com columnist John Tomase says the Jets are “inevitably outclassed” by the Patriots.
CSNNE.com notes that Cameron Fleming brings smarts to the Patriots reshuffled offensive line. The site also looks at New England's release of defensive lineman Khyri Thornton and how the open roster spot might be filled. CSNNE.com says the Patriots know that Ryan Fitzpatrick will give the New England defense chances for turnovers on Sunday.
NFL.com's QB Index has Brady in the No. 1 spot.
NJ.com looks at three key matchups for the Jets against the Patriots.
